what you want isn't listed, we are happy to tailor our activities accordingly or create a bespoke activity for your school. We warmly welcome pupils with special needs and will adapt our activities to meet the needs of all users.
Download the full leaflet about Peterborough Cathedral's learning activities
Download an A3 poster showing the activities
CATHEDRAL ACTIVITIES
Senses in Special Places KS1
Children explore the Cathedral using all five senses. Learning about the key objects, symbols and rituals important in Christian worship.
What? RS, SMSC
How long? 75 minutes
Download the teachers' preparation notes for this activity
Faith, Worship and Belief KS2, KS3, KS4
A perfect hands-on introduction to Christian places of worship and belief. Pupils will understand how Christians express their faith through worship focusing on Baptism, Holy Communion, key features of the church and symbolism.
What? RS, SMSC
How long? 75 - 90 minutes
Download the teachers' preparation notes for this activity
Searching for Saxons KS2, KS3
Pupils will explore the Cathedral's Saxon origins and investigate its Saxon archaeological treasures.
What? History, SMSC
How long? 90 minutes
Download the teachers' preparation notes for this activity.
The Tudors: Monks and Monarchs KS2 KS3
Through costumed role play, pupils will discover what life was like here in the Abbey of St Peter in the year 1539. They will learn how and why the Abbey became a Cathedral and the changes that happened to religious life in Tudor England. They will investigate the stories of significant people of the period, including Katharine of Aragon, with a visit to her tomb.
What? History, SMSC
How long? 90 minutes
Download the teachers' preparation notes for this activity.
Normans to Now KS3 KS4.jpg)
Children will explore the origins of the building from 1118 through to modern times by investigating the art, architecture, history and worship of the Cathedral.
What? History, Art, Architecture, SMSC
How long? 90 minutes
Download the teachers' preparation notes for this activity.
Songs and Stories EYFS
A storytelling and singing session for our youngest visitors.
What? Knowledge and understanding of the world.
How long? 50-60 minutes
Download the teachers' preparation notes for this activity.
A Sermon in Stone KS4
Can be tailored to meet exam specification requirements, this session will explore the features, symbolism and ritual of worship. Opportunities to participate in a discussion / Q&A with a member of the clergy team if requested and notice given.
What? RE, SMSC
How long? 75-120 minutes
Download the teachers' preparation notes for this activity.
LEARNING CENTRE ACTIVITIES
Sculpting Symbols KS1 KS2
Pupils will examine a range of Christian symbols, then design and make a clay tile to take back to school. Perfect when booked in conjunction with any Cathedral RE session.
What? RE, Art and Design
Where? Learning Centre
How long? 75 minutes
Download the teachers' preparation notes for this activity
Saxon Treasure KS2.jpg)
Complementing 'Searching for Saxons', this craft workshop will enable children to design and make their own piece of Saxon treasure to take back to school.
What? History, Art and Design
Where? Learning Centre
How long? 75 minutes
Download the teachers' preparation notes for this activity.
Sticky Stained Glass KS1 KS2
Choosing one of six RE-themed templates, children make a tissue-paper window to take home. Can be adapted for upper KS2 by asking the children to design their own template.
What? RE, Art and Design
Where? Learning Centre
How long? 45-60 minutes
Download the teachers' preparation notes for this activity.
Illuminated Manuscripts KS2, KS3
Children will learn how and why books were made in monasteries. They will write with a quill pen, design an illuminated initial letter and complete their own manuscript to take back to school. Complements any of our Cathedral history sessions.
What? History, Art and Design
Where? Learning Centre
How long? 75 minutes
Download the teachers' preparation notes for this activity.
Cathedral Collage KS2, KS3
Children will explore and sketch a variety of patterns and shapes in the Cathedral. They will work up their designs in oil pastel and ink, working in groups to create a Batik-inspired collage of the Cathedral. Complements any Cathedral RE session or 'Normans to Now'.
What? Art and Design
Where? Cathedral and Learning Centre
How long? 90 minutes
Download the teachers' preparation notes for this activity.
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES
Exploring Easter KS2
Held on selected dates during Lent, this interactive session will encourage children to reflect upon the themes of Easter. It culminates by considering: Is Easter a festival of new life or sacrifice?
What? RE, SMSC
Where? Cathedral
How long? 75 minutes
Download the teachers' preparation notes for this activity.
Taster Tour KS2, KS3, KS4
Not much time to spare? This cost-effective guided visit will introduce young people to the history and worship of the Cathedral.
What? History, RE, SMSC
Where? Cathedral
How long? 45-60 minutes
Download the teachers' preparation notes for this activity.
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